Latest News Articles by Cecile Shannon
Ichthyosaur surfaces out of Devon rock for an auction debut
12 August 2024A finely preserved and virtually complete Ichthyosaur dug up on the famous ‘Jurassic Coast’ is being offered for the first time at auction this autumn.
Intriguing gold snuff box relating to a Cumbrian row in 1850 emerges at auction
09 August 2024An 18ct gold presentation snuffbox by Nathaniel Mills is coming up for sale at Cheffins (25% buyer’s premium) Jewellery, Silver & Watches sale in Cambridge on August 15.
Lights from Titanic sister-ship RMS Olympic fly over estimate at Newcastle auction
08 August 2024Eight original light fittings from the RMS Olympic which were discovered in Durham attracted strong interest at a recent Anderson & Garland auction.
Medieval oak roof angels fly above estimate in Devon
06 August 2024The first lot offered in the latest Fine Art, Antiques & Collectors’ Items sale held at Adam Partridge (20% buyer’s premium) in Devon was simply described as ‘a group of five 16th century carved oak figures of saints …’.
Rare 19th century Bristol orphanage sampler emerges at auction in Wales
06 August 2024Estimated at just £60-100, a late 19th century sampler sold for £4600 at Rogers Jones (22% buyer’s premium) in Colwyn Bay.
Copy of famous Nelson marble bust commission finds its own value
05 August 2024A head-and-shoulders marble bust of Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson (1758- 1805) more than doubled its top estimate at a sale in Cirencester.
Gold medallion from 1900 Paris Exposition Universelle appears in Hampshire
05 August 2024A remarkable solid gold medallion created for the Paris Exposition Universelle in 1900 turned up in Hampshire at a Jacobs & Hunt auction.
Possible Dresser Minton majolica box takes flight in Sussex sale
02 August 2024Appearing at Gorringe’s in Lewes, East Sussex this week was a small Minton majolica box and cover catalogued as ‘possibly after a design by Christopher Dresser’.
Contents from Ann Broadbent’s Georgian mansion head to Wimbledon Auctions
31 July 2024Wimbledon Auctions has secured a consignment of works from the Greenwich mansion of the late Ann Broadbent, a well-known local eccentric who rose to fame when House of Hackney made a short documentary on her and her house seven years ago.
'Vinne' the Ichthyosaur rears its head at Devon auction
30 July 2024Appearing at Adam Partridge’s Devon saleroom this September is a truly exciting discovery. A finely preserved and virtually complete Ichthyosaur, dug up in Charmouth, is being offered for the first time at an estimate of £10,000-15,000.
Art Deco ashtray makes over 10 times estimate at Gloucestershire auction
29 July 2024A whimsical Art Deco ‘YZ’ cherry amber faturan nut bird ashtray, manufactured by Henry Howell & Co and retailed by Dunhill, drew eyecatching competition at a recent Gloucestershire sale.
Nelson bust doubles expectations at Dominic Winter auction
29 July 2024A head-and-shoulders marble bust of Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson (1758-1805) more than doubled its top estimate at a sale in Cirencester.
French bidders battle for rare ‘real gold’ medal from Paris Exposition Universelle
25 July 2024A remarkable solid gold medallion created for the Paris Exposition Universelle in 1900 turned up at Jacobs & Hunt in Liss, Hampshire.
Eye Eye: Rare c.1750 shagreen 'banjo' spectacle case and glasses surprise at auction
23 July 2024Catalogued simply as 'a cased pair of spectacles, 19th century, the case in shagreen, along with three magnifying glasses', this understated lot estimated at £30-50 fell between a portrait miniature of Napoleon and a set of 1950s headlights.
A fitting testament to dealer Tobias Jellinek
22 July 2024The much-anticipated auction of the personal collection of Tobias Jellinek (1934-2023) was held on the afternoon of June 19 at Bishop & Miller (25% buyer’s premium) in East Anglia.
Bed comes to rest as buyer in Sweden secures oak furniture in Stowmarket sale
22 July 2024The survival rate for 16th century and earlier furniture is much lower than that of 17th century examples.
Oak & Folk: Survival instinct for a market focused on quality
22 July 2024Despite being buffeted by the winds of fashion, period oak furniture still holds considerable appeal for homeowners thanks to innate appeal and timeless quality, as recent auction results indicate
Vernacular furniture on the rise thanks to 'quirky and charming' appeal
22 July 2024Furniture and objects associated with a rustic or farmhouse aesthetic have gained popularity in recent decades.
James II silver medal commemorating a 1687 shipwreck recovery is buoyant at auction
19 July 2024A rare James II and Queen Mary of Modena silver medal by George Bowers, commemorating a Spanish shipwreck recovered in 1687 was auctioned at Toovey's in West Sussex 'Coins, Medallions & Banknotes' auction on July 17.
Titanic interest: Rare White Star Line notice to Olympic passengers and a Carpathia bronze medal steam ahead at auction
18 July 2024Duke's Summer Auction in Dorchester featured a remarkable notice issued by the White Star Line to passengers on board the RMS Olympic after the sinking of its sister ship, the Titanic.